Canyon Pointe Elementary Recognized as a Model Professional Learning Community at Work™

TOMBALL —  Canyon Pointe Elementary was recently recognized by Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement. The school’s successful implementation of the Professional Learning Communities at Work™ process was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its students.

PLCs are schools and districts in which educators recognize the key to improved learning for students is on-going, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students. The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to:

1. Focus on learning.
2. Build a collaborative culture.
3. Create a results orientation. 

“Canyon Pointe Elementary has created a culture of collaboration which focuses on clarity of purpose for students’ learning and successes,” CPES Principal Barbara Coleman said in response to the school’s recognition. “Being named a model PLC validates our mission statement: “Whatever it takes to ensure high levels of learning for all students. “Every Child, Every Day.”

Schools are recognized based on strict criteria, including demonstration of a commitment to PLC concepts, implementation of these concepts for at least three years, and clear evidence of improved student learning over that period. Once measurable results can be seen, the school must explain its practices, structures, and culture and submit its application for consideration by the PLC Review Committee.

“Canyon Pointe Elementary staff dedicated the last five years to a relentless journey of maximizing their work through the PLC process,” Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools Dr. Valerie Petrzelka said. “Principal Coleman created a culture of shared understanding and commitment on the campus with a focus on continuous improvement.  Staff continue to improve in their practices to meet the need of every child to their highest potential.”

According to the Champions of PLC at Work™, educators in the schools and districts selected for this recognition have shown “a sustained commitment to helping all of their students achieve at high levels. They have been willing to alter the structure and culture of the organization to reflect their commitment. We applaud them and congratulate them for achieving this very significant milestone on the never-ending PLC journey.”

“The passionate educators at Canyon Pointe Elementary truly exhibit a collaborative culture and are laser-focused about learning together to provide high-quality instruction for all students,” School Support Officer, Dr. Lee Wright said. “They understand that when adults are intentional about continuously learning together, it translates into improved learning outcomes for students.” 

“CPES sustains high performance every year which is a requirement to become a Model PLC campus,” Petrzelka said. “Congratulations to the CPES staff for earning this very special honor as the first Model PLC campus in Tomball ISD.”

Recognized model PLC schools are listed on allthingsplc.info, where they share implementation strategies, structures, and performance with other educators interested in improving their schools. Tools for team collaboration, articles and research about PLCs, blog posts, and other related resources are also available on the site. The site was developed and is maintained by Solution Tree, a leading provider of educational strategies and tools that improve staff and student performance. For more than 20 years, Solution Tree resources have helped K–12 teachers and administrators create schools where all children succeed.

Read more about Canyon Pointe’s PLC story.

###

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD

Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 18,000 students at 20 campuses.